2019 Holiday Happenings

Published on December 2, 2019
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Create new holiday traditions this year! Delight in the holiday spirit all December long by embracing all that your community has to offer. Orange County provides so many festive and family-friendly activities from tree lighting events to lighted boat cruises. By continuing your original holiday traditions, you can still enjoy what your family loves, but throw in something completely new and unexpected for the whole family!

Sawdust Winter Fantasy – November 23rd Through December 22nd 

The Laguna Beach Festival grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland! 180 artists create, display and sell their original creations and masterpieces. This event offers the most unique holiday shopping experience because it allows you to gift the most one of a kind pieces for your family and friends. Whether that gift may be jewelry, clothing, blown glass, ceramics, woodwork, forged metals, paintings, photography, textiles or sculptures, the gifting options are endless. In addition to the many different vendors, this event also offers live holiday entertainment, great outdoor cafes, art classes and demonstrations, a petting zoo, an appearance from Santa Clause and so much more!

Location: Laguna Beach | 10am-7pm

Newport Landing Boat Parade & Ring of Lights – November 30th Through January 1st

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade of Lights 2019 has it all! Delight in the holiday magic with elaborate Christmas light displays of bayfront estates with their Ring Of Lights competition and one of the largest decorated boat parades in the country. Ships of all sizes are decked with lights and decorations to compete for awards in many different categories. Viewed by over 1.5 million people each year, this show is one of the largest boat parades you will possibly ever see. This is a must see this holiday season!

Location: Newport Landing Whale Watching 

Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting – December 6th 

Bring the whole family and celebrate the beginning of the Christmas Season! The Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting has something for everyone. Featuring special performances by the Tustin Family Youth Center Kids Corner Preschool, Kamaaina Glee Club of OC, Voices of Tustin, Danza Colibri, HBP Dance Extreme, Tustin High Choir and Academy of Dance. Additional event activities include letters to Santa, crafting area, train rides, games, sponsor booths, raffle prizes, tree lighting with the mayor and pictures with Santa. Tamales and refreshments will also be sold by the Tustin area Senior Center. Enjoy this free event with friends, family and loved ones!

Location: Tustin Library Courtyard | 6pm

Anaheim Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village – December 7th 

The vision of this holiday event dates back to October 1995. A vision of community through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season in a true hometown, communal atmosphere. Activities such as horse drawn carriage rides, performances by choral groups, local marching bands and children’s groups as well as a special appearance by Santa Claus. With this, a true holiday tradition was born! Since then, the town of Anaheim has always celebrated the Annual Nutcracker Holiday. This year, you can expect special performances by Loara High School Marching Band, the Anaheim Ballet and Anaheim Union High School Combined Choirs. Additional activities include an international food fair, unique gift shopping, photos with Santa and a tree lighting ceremony. Join in this true holiday legacy!

Location: Downtown Anaheim | 10am-7pm

Orange Tree Lighting & Candlelight Choir Processional – December 8th

Let the tree lighting festivities continue! Join in the holiday cheer at the Old Towne Orange Plaza with a musical program and the highly anticipated tree lighting. The evening will be full of festive family fun as performers sing traditional Christmas carols with the Orange Community Master Chorale led by musical director Michael Short. Local non-profit groups will provide delicious food and youth activities for a small cost. You will not want to miss out on this community event as everyone joins in to celebrate the season!

Location: Old Towne Orange Plaza | 3;30pm

Yorba Linda Breakfast with Santa – December 14th 

The perfect holiday event for kids and teens! Add some extra cheer to your Christmas festivities this year with a special breakfast with Santa Claus. Put a twist on the usual visit to see Santa this year with so much more to do. Not only does every boy and girl get a one-on-one visit with Santa himself, there will also be crafts, activities with Santa, live entertainment and breakfast. This is the type of event that your little ones will cherish forever by having the opportunity to engage with Santa in a totally new and unexpected way. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance as they will not last long!

Location: Yorba Linda Community Center | 9am-11:30am 

Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights – December 17th Through December 23rd

Voted as one of the top events of the holiday season! The Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights is a must-see and will move to the top of your list of seasonal traditions. The cruise offers a narrated boat tour through the Huntington Harbour and features a Christmas light spectacular. Both locals and visitors share the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays on homes, docks, decks and boats. The cruise is a 45 minute tour and includes various ticket packages to choose from. Ranging from traditional cruise tickets to a dinner cruise experience. Make this your family’s new annual tradition because you will not be disappointed!

Location: Huntington Beach, CA | 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm

Happy Holidays!